Well I'm not really sure why this book came with such low stars because I thought it was pretty darn good. As with many puppy training books, it isn'tWell I'm not really sure why this book came with such low stars because I thought it was pretty darn good. As with many puppy training books, it isn't all inclusive, but it does have some very good information in it. For example, it gave me some new advice for my dog jumping up with he meets people and for leash training...not that I hadn't been working on these things, but in previous books the explanations either weren't clear or haven't been working for us. I'm very excited to go home and start working with my doggy on my training issues. So yeah, you'll have to read other books, but the upside of this one is that you will actually read what the authors say because it isn't an ecyclopedia. Those books are great, but in my experiance you end up flipping through great information because its just too much to take in all at once. ...more

Not nearly in depth enough for someone who actually goes out and gets a puppy, but I felt like it would make a great beginner book. Like, for those whNot nearly in depth enough for someone who actually goes out and gets a puppy, but I felt like it would make a great beginner book. Like, for those who are considering a puppy and are trying to decide if they should make the committment. I know I could have used it!...more

The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King is one of the best YA books I have read in a while. Of course, take into consideration that I'm an adult, and this bThe Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King is one of the best YA books I have read in a while. Of course, take into consideration that I'm an adult, and this book is very much written for more mature teens...so maybe that's why.

First of all, I love the format of the book. We are following two stories simultaneously (Emer and Saffron), while also getting a glimpse into the many lives that Emer spent as dogs. I know this sounds crazy, but I don't want to give too much away, so just trust me when I say that it will make sense when you read it. :D Also, about halfway throught he book we are introduced to the story of a few other male characters...it takes a while for their plot line to cross Emer/Saffrons, but when it does, its pretty cool and really ties the story together bringing it to a very neat end.

Second, the writing is very good. Generally, I'm not much of a fan of pirates and historical stuff in general. This story though, is very endearing and does a great job of painting the historical backdrop, but not getting to caught up in the details. Instead, we are mainly focused on Emer during these times and the problems that she is encountering. The way King has written it, any teenage (or adult who's willing to remember) girl (or boy) can relate and empathize.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good adventure read, who also enjoys strong female characters. The only warning I would leave you with, is that there is a good amount of sexuality addressed in this book. It is by no means graphic, but the main character does find herself struggling with losing her virginity and then later having sex regularly with her lover. Also, there is one character who struggles with his "potential" homosexuality. That being said, I don't think that a parent should dissuade their teen from reading this book. I think we should give credit to teens for knowing more about life that we like to admit, and allow them to make the decision of whether or not they are comfortable reading such material. ...more